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JULY – The Rewards of Your Fine Gardening!
Stand proud when they call your name and thank you for all the work you have done and the abundance you have shared!
In SoCal, July is maintaining and feeding, and harvest, seedsaving and storage, share month, the beginnings of fall planting preparations for late July!
July is Tomato month! A few turned red, their mature colors, in late June, especially those tasty little cherry toms! Even some of the bigger varieties, but by the 4th, they will definitely be coming in good numbers! Super salads on the way!
July usually brings your greatest variety of table fresh veggies and herbs! It's colorful and full of great textures. This is giveaway time if you don't can. It's giveaway time if you have so much there is enough canned for you and your family and then some! Other than some special favorite summer veggies, some of us SoCal gardeners don't can at all because our fall, winter crops are so nutritious and freshly abundant there is no need!
Sharing is a blessing to people who don't have access to fresh organic food. Fresh foods last so much longer than store bought, and have so much better taste! Start with family, friends, neighbors. Give to senior communities and those who prepare food for them. Give to any organization that helps people in need, the FoodBank, maybe your local women's shelter. When we eat better we think more clearly, our body heals, our Soul mends. Thank you and bless you for caring so much.
General sidedressing, during season feeding times, are when baby plants are just up 5, 6 inches tall, when vines start to run, at bud time, and first fruiting. From then on it varies per plant! Late July when some plants are near the end of production, extend their fruiting with a good feed – in the ground, or foliar, preferably both! See more!
- Manure feeds are especially great for lettuce, and all others except for beans, beets, carrots, parsnips, sweet and white potatoes, and tomatoes, or there'll be more foliage than fruit! Lettuce loves chicken manure but only about a 1/4 inch gently dug in.
- Give your peppers and solanaceaes, tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, Epsom Salt/Magnesium foliar treatments.
- Every couple of weeks your strawberries would love a light fish emulsion/kelp drench.
- Or you can foliar feed everyone some tea! Make a super duper mixed tea – no compost is needed in that mix for plants whose soil was well composted before planting. First make your tea. When it is ready, make your spade fork holes and apply a good compost/worm castings mix, then foliar feed with your tea! Drippings will help moisten your mulch and compost/castings on the ground below! Last, water well with a low flow water wand underneath your plant so everything stays where you put it and you don't wash away your foliar feed. Do that before the sun gets on your plants or while it is still cool in the day and plants have plenty of time to dry during the day. Low flow also lets water and tea and compost/castings drippings drizzle down into the spade fork holes! THAT is a super feed! Mixed teas feed and help prevent pests and diseases. They serve up beneficial living microbes to your plant and provide trace minerals it may need. Use foliar tea more frequently for plants that are ailing or in recovery. On an immediate basis, foliar feeding is 8 to 20 times more potent than ground feeding, and your plant takes it up in as little as an hour! Plants in immediate need can be helped right away! Compost supplies the organic matter that tea doesn't supply, so it is critical in and of itself, plus it has many times more nutrients than a diluted tea. On and in the ground it decomposes slowly, feeds your plant steadily and it and castings have great water holding capacity. Do both whenever you can!
- Compost is always super, remember to use acidic compost for strawberries! Pull back the mulch. Grab your spade fork, insert it, rock it gently, remove the fork leaving the holes. Stay 8″ away from the central stem, go out to the dripline. Gently scratch up only one or two separate areas around your plant out to the dripline, even a little further to encourage roots to extend, and to feed the feeder roots that are in progress growing out further. Avoid breaking a substantial number of tiny surface feeder roots, otherwise your plant will be slowed down by being in recovery for lack of food due to its inability to uptake it. Mix in your compost and lay on a 1/2″ to an inch of compost on top of areas you didn't dig up. While you are at it, be sure your basins are retaining their shape out to the dripline. Put your mulch back, add more (straw) if it needs replenishing. Gently water well. Keep the area moist for a few days so soil organisms can multiply! Make your own compost!
- Save yourself some time by adding 25% Worm castings to your compost and applying them together. Especially apply that mix to any ailing plants or plants in recovery. Castings help our plants uptake soil nutrients and boost your plant's immune system. When your plant is taxed producing fruit in great summer conditions, it also is peaking out for the season and fighting pests and diseases are harder for it. Adding compost and castings may prolong and up the quantity and quality of late summer fruits. However, sometimes a plant is just done. No amount of coaxing will have effect. It worked hard. Thank it. Let it produce its seeds for seedsaving, or take it to the compost altar.
If you prefer organic granulated fertilizer, sprinkle it around evenly per instructions, and water in well. Just know you will have to do that more frequently, and it doesn't provide the water holding capacity that compost and castings do.
Feeding your plants can be plant specific or in general. For example, Tomatoes and Peppers (and Roses – edible petals), do well with a little sulfur. It is easily applied – a Tablespoon of Epsom salts, and a 1/2 teaspoon liquid dish soap as a surfactant (so your application sticks to the leaves), in a gallon watering can is all it takes. If the nozzle turns up to get under those leaves, all the better. Apply before the sun hits your plants or while it is still cool.
If any of your plants are looking puny, have yellowing leaves, might give them a bit of blood meal for a quick Nitrogen pick me up. Add compost and castings too so your plant has steady food after the blood meal (an expensive feed) is used. If you have predator creatures, forgo stinky fish emulsions and blood meal.
Late July, gardeners are starting to want new ways to enjoy their Zucchini! ZOODLES! Zucchini Zoodles Kale Pesto Edamame Recipe! Here are 28 cool summer variations on how to include this common veggie in a unique way!
Take care of pests and diseases asap! You don't want them to spread or increase, lose the fruit of all your efforts and time. July brings hot weather, water stress, the stress of continued production. Though you may be a bit tired with all your tending and harvesting, this is not the time to interrupt your care. The heat will bring hatchings; tired plants may get overwhelmed by diseases. Be consistent with your watering. Stay on it with your harvest to keep your plants in production, sidedress (feed) as needed. Mercilessly squash the cucumber beetles, the green/yellow and black striped jobs. They give your plants fatal diseases. Put down pellets for slugs & snails, use sulfur and soap in foliar feeds to keep back aphids. See more! Keep plants susceptible to Whiteflies free from dust and Ants well supplied with worm castings. Hose the flies away, and remove infected leaves or the whole plant if it gets them repeatedly. Insecticidal soaps or Neem oil can reduce populations.
I found refraining from watering my strawberries but once a week, more in exceptionally hot or windy weather, and not mulching under my strawberries keeps the slugs and snails at bay. They don't like dry soil. I'm growing the Seascape variety that has deep roots, so it works well. Do put down organic slug/snail bait where you will be sprouting seeds and while the seedlings are coming up. Aphids don't thrive in a dryer environment either. Water the plants susceptible to them a little less. Remove yellowing leaves asap. Yellow attracts whiteflies. Leafminers love temps in the 70s! Remove damaged areas of leaves immediately. Mice and rats love tomato nibbles and they are well equipped to climb! A garden kitty who loves to hunt is a good helper; keep your compost turned so they don't nest in it; remove debris piles and ground shrub or hidey habitat. Please don't use baits that will in turn kill kitties or animals or birds that would feed on a poisoned animal. That includes Gophers. For gophers, install wire barriers. See more!
Watering in July is vital, along with Compost & Mulch. Water is essential for your plants to be able to uptake nutrients. Compost increases water holding capacity. Mulch shades soil, keeps it and your plant's roots cooler, keeps soil more moist longer, less water needed. Steady water is a must to produce good looking fruits. Some water then none makes misshapen strawberries, called catfaced, curled beans and cukes, carrots lose their consistent shape. Tomatoes have more flavor when they are watered a tad less just before harvest. You can do that with bush varieties, determinates, but with indeterminate vining types you just have to see how it goes. Lots of tasty flavor tests may be in order! They have deep tap roots, so usually watering nearby plants is sufficient. Melons in cooler coastal areas don't need mulch! They self shade and hot soil helps them produce better. Give them a good sized basin so tiny lateral feeder roots can fully supply your plant with water and nutrients. Put a stake in the center so you know where to water, and let them go! Short rooted plants like beans, beets, lettuces need frequent watering to keep moist. Some plants just need a lot of water, like celery.
Don't be fooled by Temporary High Temps! Tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, stop flowering and fruiting when temps rise above 85 to 90 degrees F for an extended time depending on humidity. Humidity causes pollen to stick and not fall to pollinate. Dry heat causes the pollen to fall and not stick! When weather cools, you will have blooms again and be back in production. Rattlesnake beans, on the other hand, keep right on producing at 100 degree temps! So choose heat tolerant veggie varieties, like Heatmaster and Solar tomatoes, from locales with hot weather. Wonderful heat tolerant varieties are out there!
Cool summer evenings enjoy Zucchini Lasagna!
Though July is more a maintenance and harvest month, Yes you can plant more! At this point, transplants are best, but many plants will not still be being stocked at the nurseries, and it is a tad late to plant many plants from seed. What you can plant is beans! They grow quickly and if you grow bush beans and quickly maturing heat tolerant varieties you will still be eating beans in Sept and Oct if it doesn't get cold early! Get patio container types of quick growing heat tolerant determinate tomatoes if you can find them. Previously planted tomatoes may be done producing, or bit the dust for one reason or another – likely a blight or wilt. Remove the old plants to reduce further spread of disease – do NOT compost them. Beef up the soil and plant your late tomatoes in an entirely different spot.
More lettuces! In summer you want a stronger lettuce, heat tolerant & slow bolting! Lettuce Leaf and Red Sails and Outredgeous are great. Jericho from Israel is great. Sierra, Nevada. Nevada is a Green Crisp/Batavian that grows BIG, doesn't bolt, and is totally crispy! Green Star is ruffly, grows big around! Parris Island Romaine is slow bolting. Green Towers Romaine tolerates moderate summer heat and has some resistance to tipburn and bolting.
Transplant basil, celery, chard, cucumbers, dill, kale, leeks, summer lettuce, green onions, white potatoes, summer savory, New Zealand spinach. In our hot foothills and further south, go for more melons, okra, pumpkins, summer & winter squash. I've seen tomato transplants and bean seeds started in August produce plentiful crops into October! Rattlesnake pole beans do as they are supposed to, make beans in up to 100 degree weather! Yard long beans tolerate late summer weather and make magnificent beans! And some varieties of those don't get mildew!
Corn is an exception – late plantings often develop smut. But. That smut, from a fungus called Ustilago maydis, is considered a delicacy by many. 'It's insanely delicious and luxurious, like black truffles.' In Mexico it is known as huitlacoche. – weet-la-COH-cheh. Your neighboring gardeners may especially not be pleased, however. See more!
Fall transplants need babying! Transplant late afternoon or evening so plants have the whole night to begin to recover before they're hit with a full day of sun and heat. Water well and provide shade from intense mid-day sun. Prop up and secure some of those plastic plant flats that have the finer grid pattern to filter the light. Keep your transplants moist for at least a month or until they're well established. Mulch to save water unless they thrive on hot soil.
Harvesting has special little techniques and storage varies considerably from veggie to veggie! See details!
Be really patient with your big Bells and sweet roasting Peppers. Both like to wait until the nights are longer and cooler in late summer before fruiting and plumping up. Peppers need time on the plant to absorb nutrients and water and plump up their flesh. Some will still be needing to change color.
At the end of the month, SoCal gardeners start your winter crops! Sow carrots (they do best from seed), celery and Brassicas. Brassicas are arugula, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage (especially red and savoy types, which resist frost better), cauliflower, and kohlrabi, mizuna, mustard, pak choi, radish, rutabaga, turnip. Keep the soil moist and shaded until they're up, and then gradually allow them more sun over a week's time.
Mid to late July start preparing by clearing areas for late July first fall plantings. Remove finishing weakened plants that attract pests and get diseases. Remove insect debris harboring areas. Remove mulch from under plants that were diseased and replace with clean mulch. Decide where you will plant your green manure patches. Add worm castings to mini nurseries areas you will be planting seedlings in. Castings speed germination. Leave enough space between the seedlings so they can be safely removed by a narrow trowel to their permanent place when they become big enough and space becomes available.
It's time to get seeds if you don't already have them! If seeds and mini nurseries aren't your thing, wait until your local nursery starts having the transplants that make you happy! Late August they might start trickling in. Labor Day weekend is a favorite planting time for some gardeners. October is just fine too!
Tasty Zucchini Rolls made with Sunflower Seeds Pate, Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spinach! See complete recipe by Chris at Tales of a Kitchen!
If you are just starting, just got your first plot at one of the community gardens, while waiting for fall planting time, plant a few patches of fast growing, less water needing heat lovers, lots of summer heat tolerant lettuces for your salads! They may need a little shade cloth protection. Plan out your fall/winter layout, remembering tall to the north, short to the south. Winter plants don't take up as much food in cooler weather, so use less compost. Remember, nature's soil is naturally only 5% organic matter, but we are growing veggies, so a little more than that is perfect. Too much food and plants go to all leaf. But then a lot of winter veggies are just that, all leaf! Cabbage, Chard, Kale, Lettuces. Oh, lettuces thrive with manures, so put more in the lettuce patch areas, but none where the carrots or peas will grow. They don't need it. If you plant your lettuces randomly as filler plants, add a little extra manure to the planting holes when you plant them.
Important Habitat! As plants finish, let some of them grow out to save seeds. A carrot, celery and cilantro produce masses of seeds! Besides being food for pollinators and beneficial predator insects, they are beautiful! Birds will have seeds for food and scour your plants for juicy cabbage worms, whiteflies, aphids, earwigs, grasshoppers, cucumber beetles and grubs fresh for their hatchlings! Chickadees even eat ants!
Seedsaving is really a no-nonsense game! Besides being our second harvest, it insures the purity of your line! It's important to our world community, as Thomas Rainer says, to preserve our garden heritage & biodiversity! Besides, it's fun! Keep some for you – some as spices & others for planting. Package as gifts, and reserve some to take to the Seed Swap in January!
Let some beans go until they are completely dry in their pods; let corn dry until the kernels are hard on the cob. Let a cucumber turn yellow and tough. Save some seeds from your favorite and best tomatoes. Dry them further in home, put in an envelope, label with date, variety name, any other info you think you might need. See more about SeedSaving!
Do it now to be ready for winter rain! If you garden at home, please look into water capture and gray water systems – shower to flower, super attractive bioswale catchments. In Santa Barbara County there are rebates available! Call (805) 564-5460 today to schedule a FREE water system checkup! Check out the Elmer Ave retrofit!
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~ Author Unknown
See wonderful June images of Pilgrim Terrace and Rancheria Community Gardens, Santa Barbara CA! Veggies, flowers, birds plus gardening tips!
See the entire July Newsletter! (Sign up for it if you like!)
JULY – The Rewards of Your Fine Gardening!
Harvesting & Storage Tips for Our Summer Favorites!
Veggie Pests – Aphid and Ants!
More about Pests! July is International Pest Month!
Other Community Gardens – Fall Creek Gardens, Indianapolis IN
Events! American Community Gardening Association 38th Annual National Conference, National Heirloom Exposition, Soil Not Oil Intl Environmental Conference!
The Green Bean Connection started as correspondence for the Santa Barbara CA USA Pilgrim Terrace Community Garden. All three of Santa Barbara's community gardens are very coastal. During late spring/summer we are often in a fog belt/marine layer most years, locally referred to as the May grays, June glooms and August fogusts. Keep that in mind compared to the microclimate niche where your veggie garden is. Bless you for being such a wonderful Earth Steward!
Love your Mother! Plant bird & bee food! Think grey water! Grow organic!


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ORLANDO -- On Monday morning at Dubsdread Golf Course, Golf Channel's Lauren Thompson took on the Ice Bucket Challenge -- sort of.
Thompson was reporting from on-site, one of 120-some participating in the 2014 World's Largest Golf Outing, and then took to the course as a player. After her round was over, she was a great sport to agree to get atop the dunk tank to see if some golfers might be more accurate with a baseball than a golf ball.
Turns out some were.
Thanks to Lauren for being such a great sport and helping us raise more money to benefit Wounded Warrior Project!
This is the test zone:

subset: commoncrawl


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Welcome to our website! As we have the ability to list over one million items on our website (our selection changes all of the time), it is not feasible for a company our size to record and playback the descriptions on every item on our website. However, if you have a disability we are here to help you. Please call our disability services phone line at 847-259-2550 during regular business hours and one of our kind and friendly personal shoppers will help you navigate through our website, help conduct advanced searches, help you choose the item you are looking for with the specifications you are seeking, read you the specifications of any item and consult with you about the products themselves. There is no charge for the help of this personal shopper for anyone with a disability. Finally, your personal shopper will explain our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service, and help you place an order if you so desire.
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Hawksworth's Mint Julep Recipe
Bill Samuels Jr., the president of Maker's Mark, personally showed Brad Stanton of Hawksworth how to infuse bourbon with mint. Stanton brought the technique home from Kentucky and currently stirs up his interpretation at the Hawksworth bar. The nice thing about this version is that the mint isn't bruised to bitterness and there aren't bits of leaves floating around. Be sure to place the straw close to the mint garnish for optimal minty fragrance when drinking.
Note: To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using. Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Get more refreshing cocktail recipes from Hawksworth in Vancouver, BC »
Read more: 5 Summer Cocktail Recipes from Hawksworth in Vancouver, BC
- Yield:makes 1 cocktail
- Active time: 6 minutes
- Total time:10 minutes
- For the mint infused bourbon:
- 4 ounces fresh mint (leaves and stems, about 1 bunch)
- 1 (750 milliliter) bottle bourbon, such as Maker's Mark
- For the cocktail:
- 2 ounces of mint infused bourbon
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note)
- Fresh mint for garnish
For the Bourbon: Pluck the bigger bottom leaves off of the mint stalks (reserve tops for garnish) and wrap loosely in cheesecloth. Place the mint package into a large bowl and add bourbon. Let infuse for five minutes, occasionally agitating mint bundle to release oils into bourbon. Gently wring out the bourbon from the mint through the cheesecloth, being careful not to tear the mint. Using a funnel, pour mixture back into bourbon bottle through a fine mesh strainer. Store in freezer when not in use.
For the Cocktail: Fill a julep cup 2/3 full with crushed ice. Add infused bourbon and simple syrup. With the back end of a bar spoon, stir mixture until a frost develops on the outside of the julep cup. Add more crushed ice, and stir again.
Slap a sprig of mint between your hands to release the oil and place on the crushed ice. Cut a straw to fit the cup and place near the mint sprig. Serve.
This Recipe Appears In5 Summer Cocktail Recipes from Hawksworth in Vancouver, BC
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Blake Shelton to Debut New Single 'Over' on 'The Voice'
Monday (April 30) marks the beginning of the semifinals for NBC's hit singing show 'The Voice.' The music-packed show will feature not only solo performances from the remaining eight contestants, but also one group performance — a joint show by Team Blake (Shelton) and Team Christina (Aguilera), as well as one by Teams Adam (Levine) and Cee Lo (Green) together.
Shelton's team, with Aguilera's beside them, will be taking a bite out of Lady Gaga's 'The Edge of Glory,' but perhaps the most exciting part of the upcoming episode will be that the country crooner is debuting his new single 'Over.'
Though Team Blake will be taking on a pop song with the Gaga cover, it shouldn't be a disadvantage since he no longer has any country performers on his team after letting go of the bubbly RaeLynn. Still standing on Shelton's side are Erin Willett and Jermaine Paul, who will have to battle one another now for the top spot on the team. After the remaining eight performers sing their hearts out Monday, only four will remain past Tuesday's elimination.
The elimination won't be a total downer, though. While each coach will have to say goodbye to one team member, thus cutting their teams in half, the show will also include killer performances matching season one's top three finalists with some of the biggest names in the music business.
Team Blake's Dia Frampton will offer up her new single 'Don't Kick the Chair' featuring Kid Cudi, while Vicci Martinez will sing 'Come Along' with her former coach Cee Lo Green, and Team Christina's season one finalist Beverly McClellan will take the stage with Cyndi Lauper to perform the star's hit 'Money Changes Everything.'
And of course, the night wouldn't be complete without a showdown from last season's winner Javier Colon, who will be bringing it with his new single 'A Drop in the Ocean' from his record 'Come Through for You.'
But first, catch all the action — including the debut of Shelton's 'Over' from the 2011 hit album 'Red River Blue' — on 'The Voice' on NBC at 8PM ET on Monday.


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Mighty Castle Chess Club
The Might Castle Chess Club invites students in grades 1-12 for Friday afternoon chess games at the library. Play informal games and meet other chess players. Face a variety of players and improve your skills. No charge and no registration. Just drop in and play!
Located in the lower level meeting room. Parents are invited to attend, help supervise, or play when needed. For more information call Sean at 236-5203.


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The Situation
The nine pastures are each irrigated by 3 inch, 30 foot aluminium pipeline, and 1020 tech sprinklers with a 1/8 inch nozzle. With the old system, water was dispersed at the same pressure and head, regardless of which field needed irrigating. When there was a line that needed to be shut down, the entire system had to be shut down. If too many lines were shut down, the entire system was susceptible to failure. Additionally, water control in California is regulated by water consultants. There are restrictions on the use of water per minute for a specific well. At Rolling A Ranch, water and electricity were being wasted with the old system.
The Grundfos Solution
In June of 2007, Kurt Bollinger, of Miller Drilling, Templeton, CA, installed an 800S Grundfos SP submersible with a 100 hp drive to help improve the situation. By replacing the old system, David Martin, Ranch Foreman of Rolling A Ranch, was able to shut multiple irrigation lines down without turning off the pump, and irrigate only one field. Water and money savings were achieved immediately. "This system is the new way to go – it is the future of irrigation" said David. Although they are only expected to monitor one of their wells and report findings to the water consultants, Rolling A Ranch has elected to monitor all of their wells to show their water and electricity savings.
The Outcome
The savings of both water and electricity have been so great with this installation, they are planning to change out an old 30 hp system with a Grundfos submersible on the other side of the Creston ranch, replace an old 75 hp system at the main farm / headquarters in Atascadero, and switch out an old 60 hp system at their Broodmare location. Rolling A Ranch will have four new installations by the end of 2008. David added, "We should have done this years ago!" With water restricted in California, a good, efficient irrigation system is needed to continue to care for the nation's best racing Quarter horses. And Grundfos is in stride with keeping irrigation out in front.
As the nation's all-time leading breeder of racing Quarter horses, Rolling A Ranch is home to 500 head of horses, spread out over 400 acres in the Salinas Valley in central California. Eighty acres, divided up among nine fields, make up pastureland for the horses. Several locations make up the Rolling A Ranch: the Creston Ranch, the Broodmare Ranch, and the main farm or headquarters, located in Atascadero.
Rolling A Ranch
If you need a similar solution, please contact us for further information.
If you need a similar solution, please contact us for further information.


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Team Golf Notre Dame Fighting Irish Clubhouse Golf Cart Bag, Multicolor
Look like a pro out on the fairways when you carry on with this Notre Dame Fighting Irish golf cart bag. Eight-way top design Six zippered pockets Lined valuables pocket Padded strap Attached towel ring Umbrella holder Removable rain hood 36"H x 13"W x 12"D 8-pounds (empty) Nylon, plastic Imported Wipe clean Shop our full assortment of Notre Dame Fighting Irish items here. When you're a fan, you're family! Size: Onesize. Color: Multicolor. Gender: Unisex.
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Home » Contact Us
Cables and More 138 Cell Barnes Lane (Office Only)St Albans Herts AL1 5QD
We are a mail-order business only and therefore collections aren't possible.
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i first got inspired to order some miniature bottle brush trees after seeing this pretty project from jeni baker over at in color order. with full intentions of bleaching them, then dying them pink and green. however, i had to stop half way through the process!
you see, my theme for christmas this year is white, white, white. actually, it's the theme for the whole house! i love how sweet, simple and clean it looks. after i finished bleaching these little trees white, i fell in love with them and the winter wonderland they created. just look:
i think they're so pretty and just darling as a center piece. here's how i did it:
first, you'll have to get your hands on some mini bottle brush trees. your local craft store should carry them but if not, you can find them here or here.
second, all you have to do is let them soak in a bath of warm water and a little bleach (i used 3 capfulls in my sink). the color begins to fade almost instantly. i let mine soak for a few hours until they were completely white, then i simply rinsed them and set them upright on a paper towel to dry overnight.
if you're only making white trees, then you're done!
HOWEVER, if you'd like to dye your trees into a dreamy color combo like these beauties from jeni baker, then you're half way there! my mom ended up making some pink ones of her own, and the process is really simple. all you need is some rit dye! here's the how to:
to dye your bottle brush trees:
step one: bleach your trees, following the instructions above.
step two: combine your desired amount of rit dye and warm water in a glass bowl (follow package instructions), and let your tree soak. just keep an eye on the color and remove the tree when you're happy with it. leaving it in longer will make the color darker or richer.
step three: remove the tree from the dye and rinse with cold water. set on a paper towel to dry.
step four: if you want to add a little bit of extra sparkle (like jeni did), add some glitter using a glitter pen, or glue and loose glitter.
have fun!


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Best show on television- ITV4 is the best and keep doing what you - Minder - Sweeney- Professionals - Saint - best ????
Minder is one of the best series ever and George Cole and Dennis Waterman worked so well together. Thank you ITV4 for such a great service - by showing these every day and James Bond films you give people a purpose and so much enjoyment that never tires or gets boring ! Thank you for the memories.
Jackie 10:34pm Thu 11 Oct Report Abuse
Prev comm
Hope you get to be 70+ cos the alternative is pretty grim.
don'tbelieveallyouread 3:37pm Fri 26 Jan Report Abuse
So badly dated and old fashioned. No way there are people like this around in today's society. Except for the 70 year old plus minder copycats who are still alive.
Er indoors. 2:13pm Fri 26 Jan Report Abuse
The scripts are without the best I've ever seen.Brilliant George Cole.My best ever actor.
Sharlottfox 1:40pm Tue 2 Jan Report Abuse
I'll hit you
Miniscule minder minds his miniature boss
Ugh 12:49pm Fri 27 Sep Report Abuse
Such a bad remake
Shane Richie, what a total imbecile. I think the highlight of his career was the Daz adverts, play to your strengths Shane!
Feed The Pigeon 12:06am Sun 5 Dec Report Abuse
if it aint
broken dont try and mend it , george cole should be knighted
n mellows 7:28pm Thu 16 Sep Report Abuse
Great But...
... the remake was truly awful.
Jay Walker 7:40pm Wed 21 Apr Report Abuse
Claas show
Was great with arthur and terry,even with arthur and ray.But the new one with Shane Ritchie & Lex Shrapnel a total waste of time.Minder without arthur dodgy daley is not a minder show,thats why it still worked even when denis left.To make a new series is a total joke and mockery to a classic tv show.
footyguy 7:53pm Sat 20 Feb Report Abuse
Best description
of Arthur was that he is a complete "dollop" I agree, why does anyone even admit he's even there.
fred 6:47pm Sun 17 Jan Report Abuse


text:
I spent the better part of an hour rooting through the discombobulation that has encompassed The Goat's braking system -- specifically, the rear.
I've done a LOT of seriously abusive riding recently. This includes riding down or simply leaping at speed off of urban stairways, bunny-hopping large curbs, and of course the relentless conquest of sandy, salty slush. These things have combined to put my rear wheel a little out of true (nothing I can't adjust myself this weekend), and has caused a lot of gunk to collect in my braking system.
The first order of business was to take care of some brake rubbing issues due to the (lack of) wheel trueness... wheel truth? I don't know the particular verbiage, but the brake was rubbing a bit. To make matters worse, the brake lever was already compressing to the handlebar during hard braking.
While I had the brake system taken half-way apart, I went ahead and hit all the cantilever pivots with FinishLine. Then, I popped the brake cable housings out of their bosses, sliding the cable housing to the other end of the cable, exposing all of the previously covered brake cable. I used my old favorite: waterproof boat-trailer axle grease on a rag to butter the hidden parts of the cables up. They were slightly oxidized, and this treatment brought back a dark luster to the strands. I left some excess on them and slid the cable housing back into location, then moved to the rear cable housing including the metal "Noodle" that's found on most side-pull cantilevers. I gave this segment of cable the same treatment.
Upon re-assembly, I completely re-aligned the rear brake pads, then re-seated the brake cable so that it's adjusted properly with my brake lever's barrel adjuster screwed almost completely back into the lever. This morning, I was rewarded with some amazingly smooth, strong brakes.
The midwestern winter can be really, really hard on a bicycle. When this season is over, I'm likely going to have to haul my bike to the shop and have them give it a complete and thorough tune-up. I can fix pretty much anything on a bike, but I lack the intimate familiarity with the small details that a professional wrench has acquired. I can't get perfection adjusting of a front derailleur or get wheels perfectly true when they've been taco'd. Judging from what I saw last night, my bike is probably ready for all-new brake cable housings. The shifter housings look okay, but I'll probably just have the LBS re-do all of my cables at the end of winter. With it, all new brake pads, both wheels trued, and a shifter adjustment should make my bouncy Goat like new once again, ready to hit the singletrack.
Last night, I grabbed some lunch after work, then did the A Bus Short Route. This morning, it was the humdrum workbound L-Bus with a coffee run. Aside from the usual bouncing around and "special stages" that I improvise en-route, there's not much worth mentioning. The forecast is calling for snow sometime today, and I'm really hoping to be able to ride in it for my homeward commute. If the conditions are favorable, I think I'll get off the bus further from home and take the Turkey Creek route.
Random Tunage:
Altitude - Excession
Energy 52 - Cafe Del Mar (Nalin & Kane Remix)
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Brake Check!
I spent the better part of an hour rooting through the discombobulation that has encompassed The Goat's braking system -- specifically, the rear.
3 comments:
- Chuong Doan said...
So you got me to HTFU and I've started my commuting really early this year. What are you doing for rain pants? I still haven't decided if its worth it to order some expensive pants, or try to find something at Target for cheap.
- January 16, 2008 12:28 PM
- Noah said...
For the time being, nothing really. I just get wet and cold. My windbreaker keeps my core dry. My legs, I don't have any waterproof cover for. There are scads of options from paltry to prime. Target might not be a bad place to start, but just plain old rain pants will likely get torn up in a hurry in the rear and crotch area.
- January 16, 2008 12:42 PM
- Jon said...
I use ripstop BDUs, $20.00 from the Army Surplus store. They are pretty water resistant (I stay fairly dry in snow), but would benefit from a coating of Scotchgard, or something similar, if you want to stay dry in a downpour.
- January 16, 2008 3:57 PM
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text:
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text:
Harding beats Stamford to improve to 2-0 under Cochran
Recommended Video:
STAMFORD -- Trailing by six after halftime, the Stamford football team opened the third quarter with six straight runs, driving the ball down to the 11 yard line.
Harding Coach Jack Cochran called a timeout, sprinting onto the field to admonish his defense first hand.
Whatever Cochran said worked as the Presidents held the Black Knights to a field goal -- and nothing else the rest of the second half -- as Harding defeated Stamford 14-3 at Boyle Stadium Friday night.
It was Harding's first win over Stamford since joining the FCIAC and Cochran's first FCIAC win, ever, in the books.
"We had eight guys going both ways and hanging their heads and I went out there just to give them a little support," Cochran said. "We made a little quick adjustment and luckily it worked. This is the first shutout for our defense in a long time, years. We are going to play team defense come hell or high water."
The Harding defense held Stamford to just two first downs in the first half and stiffened after the visit from Cochran, not allowing much more the rest of the game.
Stamford quarterback Jalen Brown was also injured on that drive and returned only briefly for the Knights, slowing the offense even more.
Cam Webb rushed for 100 yards for Stamford, but never got near the goal line.
His counterpart, D.J. Smith, rushed for 111 yards and one touchdown for the Presidents (2-0, 1-0 FCIAC).
Smith and the Presidents opened the game rushing the ball six straight plays including a 35-yard dash by Smith on the opening play before Smith found the end zone on a 13-yard scamper to make it 6-0 Presidents.
"I was most proud of that first drive," Cochran said. "We went right down the field and scored and ran the ball and that's what we have to do right now to win football games."
For Stamford (0-2, 0-1 FCIAC) not being able to convert Webb's runs into scores and taking costly penalties was its undoing, according to coach Jamar Greene.
"We kept it as simple as possible tonight, we ran maybe four or five plays on offense," Greene said. "We moved the ball, I think we had 125 yards on the ground, we just couldn't punch it in. We got down to the red zone and our quarterback got hurt and that was a touchdown we needed. We made youth mistakes with penalties and things of that nature."
With the score 6-3 in the fourth quarter, Harding used a short field after a Stamford punt and ran the ball eight times while also completing the game's first pass before running back Antoine Sistrunk dove in from the 1. The Presidents' Christian Hopkins ran in a 2-point conversion to make it 14-3.
With the backup quarterback under center for the Knights, Harding was able to pick off two passes before took a knee on the goal line as time ran out.
"I tell you what, it's a hell of a feeling," Cochran said. "Going from where we started June 21st with six kids and nothing to looking around this stadium with so much tradition. Words can't describe how proud I am of these kids. Not one of these kids won a high school game before and now they have two of them."
H -- D.J. Smith 13 run (kick failed)
S -- Ryan Sexton 31 FG
H -- Antoine Sistrunk 1 run (Christian Hopkins run)
Records: H 2-0, 1-0 FCIAC; S 0-2, 0-1 FCIAC


text:
Save vs. Aardvark
The name is actually Tavish. I typoed my own name.
Bad DnD Science[edit | edit source]
Bad is bad. Understand what you're altering before you alter it. Understand your goals before you set out to achieve them.
To Do[edit | edit source]
- Finalize advanced feat progression (V1 vs. V2).
- Version 1: One feat every odd level. Ten feats total, three more than standard 3.5.
- Version 2: One extra feat every sixth level, starting at 1st (1, 6, 12, 18). Eleven feats total, four more than standard 3.5.
- In games I run, I utilize V2, but I find myself leaning towards V1. Even though it is less feats on a 20 level progression, it provides a 'smoother' progression, and kills dead levels for standard 3.5 Fighters (elimination of dead levels is not a balancing point for this change, nor the motivation).
- Make Charisma useful for all classes outside of skill checks. Currently, outside of skill checks, and specefic class features, Charisma does nothing (it offers no static benefit).
- Does Charisma need to be 'fixed'?
- How will this affect Bards, Paladins, and Sorcerers (and a handful of other non-PHB classes).
- Attribute equality. Physical attributes do more things than mental attributes (See above, Charisma has zero universal functionality outside of skill checks).
- 'Buffing' mental attributes widens the gap between casters and physical/melee. It makes casters stronger, and can exacerbate MAD in physical/melee classses.
- Physical attributes modify 2-4 things each, outside of skill checks, while mental modify 0-2.
- Mettle>Evasion (or at least Mettle=/=Evasion, balance wise).
- If mettle were sub-divided into Fortitude and Will, what would you call them (or rather, which is still mettle?)?
- Mette->Fortitude, Force of Will->Will, Evasion->Reflex(?).
- Both Fortitude and Will are late game instant death saves. Is evasion inferior to mettle at all levels of gameplay, or just the late/end game?
- Been toying with switching initiative from Dexterity to Intelligence (since reaction time is just as much mental as it is physical). So, a compromise?
- (Dex+Int)/2=Initiative(?)
- Change Improved Initiative to "Pick either Dexterity or Intelligence. This modifier now governs your initiative bonus. In addition, you recieve +4 on initiative checks." Most all other 'Improved' feats change how a mechanic works, and gives a +4, this change would bring Improved Initiative in line with other such feats, and allow for non-dex characters to get higher in combat initiative.
- However, if changed as above, would benefit casters more than physical/melee (and be of little use to rouges).
- Make called shots work.
- Seriously.
- If a level 1 commoner stabs a 20th level fighter in the eye, regardless of level disparity, it'll do more than 1d4 damage.
- Hit points (IMO) reflect the level of general trauma a player can sustain before succombing to injury. When you're hit by an arrow for 7 damage, your character hasn't actually been shot (because then he would likely die, regardless of damage rolled, or remaining hit points). Or, it can be viewed as ones ability to avoid lethal damage, either by experience (HP via class levels), or simply being sturdier than most (HP via Con mod).
- If viewed as the latter, this is why BAB goes up with level, but AC doesn't. Effectively, your hitpoints are a buffer between realism (shot and killed) and enjoyable gameplay.
- Given the above, called shots bypass hitpoints in favor of reality (that is, great axe to the face kills you, not simply deal 1d12 damage).
- "Fix" cross class skills.
- Currently, cross-class skills suffer a double duty penalty: not only are they more expensive, you can't have as many.
- Idea: still limit the max ranks, but allow people to purchase CC skills on a 1 for 1 basis, like class skills.
Mah Crap[edit | edit source]
Classes[edit | edit source]
Feats[edit | edit source]
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


text:
Faith Life in Action is a free service, but not all submissions are guaranteed to appear in the column. Send in items to be considered at least two weeks in advance, with complete address and contact information, to Stephen Bitsoli, The Macomb Daily, 100 Macomb Daily Drive, Mount Clemens, MI 48043; email steve.bitsoli@macombdaily. com; FAX 586-469-2892; or phone 586-783-0375.
God's Growth Group God's Growth Group, following Mass at 9 a.m. Thursdays through June, at St. Athanasius Church, 18720 13 Mile Road, Roseville, 586-777-9116, ext. 2.
Lenten series Lenten Series: Holy Week According to the Gospel of St. Luke, 7 p.m. Thursdays through March 21, at St. Louise de Marillac Parish, 2500 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, www.saintlouise.org, firstname.lastname@example.com or 586-751-3340:
'Jesus' Passion and Death,' March 14.
'Jesus' Resurrection,' March 21.
Fish fries Fish fry, 4-8 p.m. Fridays through March 29, at St. Anne, 32000 Mound Road, Warren.
Fish fry, pierogi and bake sale, 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. or until sold out Fridays through March 29, at St. Sylvester Church, 11200 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, carryout available, call 586-575-9241.
Fish fry, 4-7 p.m. March 22, at Holy Family Parish, 79780 Main St., Memphis, $8.50 adults, $7.50, senior citizens, $5 ages 5 to 12, free ages 4 and younger, $10 all-you-can-eat, $4 macaroni and cheese only, soft drinks $1, carryouts available.
Youth Group-sponsored fish fry, 5-8 p.m. March 22, at St. John Lutheran Church, 16339 14 Mile Road, Fraser, $12, $10 seniors and carryouts, $5 ages 5 to 11, free ages 4 and younger, 586-293-0333.
Fish and shrimp dinners, 4-7 p.m. Fridays through March 22, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, 48115 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township, 586-254-4433.
Fish fry, 4-7:30 p.m. Fridays through March 22, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 9764 Dixie Highway, Ira Township, $8.50 adults, $7.50 ages 60 and older, $5 ages 5 to 11, 586-725-0078.
St. Lawrence Ushers 17th annual fish fry, 4:30-7 p.m. Fridays through March 22, 3-7 p.m. March 29, also macaroni & cheese, pizza dinners, weekly specials, at St. Lawrence Parish, 44633 Utica Road, Utica, with drive-thru and phone orders, www.stlawrenceparish.com or 586-731-5353.
Lenten fish fry, 4:30-7 p.m. March 15 and 29, at St. Augustine, 68035 Main St., Richmond, $9 adults and carryouts, $8 seniors, $5 ages 6 to 12, $2 extra for all-you-can-eat.
Lenten fish fry, 5-8 p.m. Fridays through March 29, at Erin Presbyterian Church, 30000 Gratiot, Roseville, $10, $9 seniors, $6 children, 586-777-9200.
'Jesus & the Gospels' 'Jesus & the Gospels' Bible study, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Fridays through May 3, following coffee at 9 a.m., at St. Mark Parish, 4401 Bart, Warren, email@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com or 586-759-3020:
Holy Week According to St. Luke: 'Jesus' Last Supper and Arrest,' March 15.
Holy Week According to St. Luke: 'Jesus' Passion and Death,' March 22.
Holy Week According to St. Luke: 'Jesus' Resurrection,' March 29.
The Gospel of John: 'Intro to the Gospel of John,' April 12.
The Gospel of John: 'Jesus, the Man from Heaven,' April 19.
The Gospel of John: 'Jesus as Obedient Son,' April 26.
The Gospel of John: 'Jesus as Witness to the Truth,' May 3.
Stations of the Cross Stations of the Cross, 4:30 p.m. Fridays through March 22, noon March 29, at St. Sylvester Church, 11200 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren. For more information, call 586-751-3636 ext. 10.
Science and the Scriptures Dr. Tommy Mitchell of Answers in Genesis, speaks on science and the scriptures, including 'Noah's Ark and the Global Flood' and 'Jurassic Prank: the Dinosaur Tale,' 9 a.m.-noon March 16-17, at 47120 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb Township, email@example.com or 586-286-4231. He will also speak March 17 at 8:15, 9:30, 10:45 a.m., 3 and 4:15 p.m.
Olive oil sale Olive oil sale, 4-6:30 p.m. March 16, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. March 17, produced by Palestinian farmers with net proceeds benefiting the olive growers in the Holy Land, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 44633 Utica Road, $18 for 16 ounces, $23 for 25 ounces, Mike Butkiewicz at 586-731-5248.
Pancake breakfast Knights of Columbus Council No. 3191 presents a pancake breakfast, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. the first Sunday monthly, at Sacred Heart Parish, 18430 Utica Road, Roseville, $6, $3 children, 586-777-9116 or Mike at 586-774-4369.
First Presbyterian Church Special events at First Presbyterian Church, 168 Cass Ave., Mount Clemens, Mtclemensfirstpresbyterianchurch.com or 586-465-0461:
Celebration of St. Patrick's Day, during and in between 9 and 10:30 am. worship services March 17, including music, crafting activities and 'something green to drink.'
Corned beef dinner All-you-can-eat St. Patrick's Day traditional corned beef dinner, noon-7 p.m. March 17, at Richmond Knights of Columbus Hall, 68216 Grand trunk, next to the Shepherd's Car Dealership, Richmond, $10, ages 13 and older, $5 ages 5 to 12, free ages 4 and younger. For more information, call Mike Misteravich at 586-764-6979.
Lifetree Cafe Lifetree Cafe - a program of 'stories and conversations to feed the soul,' often including a short original film and guided conversation - 7 p.m. Sundays, at Monte's, 110 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens, free admission, contact Sue von Fange at firstname.lastname@example.com or 586-463-2921 ext. 103:
Learn practical ways to protect against identity theft at 'They Hijacked My Life,' including a filmed interview with identity-theft expert John Sileo, March 17.
'Surrounded by Stuff: Understanding the Hidden World of Hoarding,' March 24, featuring a short film about a woman so ashamed of her hoarding that she wouldn't let a plumber into her home to fix broken
St. Mark Parish Events at St. Mark Parish, 4401 Bart St., Warren, email@example.com or 586-759-3020:
'The Healing Power of Christ' with Anita Houghton, a 'Parish Wide Faith Formation Celebrating the Year of Faith,' 7 p.m. March 19, dinner at 6 p.m., prayer at 6:30 p.m.
Lenten soup supper, 5-7 p.m. Thursdays through March 21, followed by evening prayer, freewill offering accepted.
Grace-Filled Aging Events by Grace-Filled Aging Group at Holy Innocents-St. Barnabas, 24800 Phlox, Eastpointe, register by calling Barbara Jean Pelak at 586-775-4650 ext. 101:
Spring Retreat, 1-3 p.m. April 9, with lunch at noon, presented by Rita Birzer, a Dominican Sister of Peace, free.
'Laughter? The Best Medicine,' 1-2 p.m. April 22, presented by Harry Smith, therapist with St. John Providence Eastwood Clinics, free.
Free food Hope for the Hungry Pantry, with food distribution and free dinner 6-7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday monthly, and food distribution 1-2 p.m. the third Tuesday monthly, at Living Hope Lutheran Church, located in the former Siefert School, 24125 26 Mile Road, Ray Township, 586-491-0652.
Bethlehem Lutheran Events at Bethlehem Lutheran, email@example.com or 586-791-3030:
Free tai chi class, 2 p.m. Tuesdays through April 16.
Free spaghetti dinner, 5:30-7 p.m. March 21.
Card party Daughters of Isabella Mary Our Mother No. 698, afternoon card party, 1-4 p.m. March 18, with light lunch, prizes (door, raffle prizes, share of the wealth), at Knights of Columbus Hall, 7400 Bernice, Center Line, $7, 586-757-6042
Euchre Knights of Columbus, Armada Council 7561 presents euchre card games, 7 p.m. March 22, April 26 and May 24, at Creek Brothers Center Hall, 72025 North Ave., Armada, $10, includes snacks, refreshments and pizza at the break. For more information, call Ron Goike at 586-784-9424.
Single Way Reservations required at least one day in advance for events by the Single Way Christian singles group, at 586-774-2119 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.
Reservations required by March 22 for potluck dinner and games night, 6 p.m. March 23, bring a salad, starch or dessert to share, $4, call for location.
Rummage sale Spring Rummage Sale, 9 a.m.-1 pm. March 23, with doughnuts, coffee, homemade soup and bread, carryouts available, at St. Paul United Church of Christ, 31654 Mound Road, Warren, free admission except $1 early bird admission, 8-9 a.m., 586-264-4777.
Scrapbooking fundraiser St. Margaret's Women's Club presents a 12-hour crop, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. March 23, at Paper Kutz Scrapbooking, 37285 Groesbeck, Clinton Township, $40, includes a light breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages. Reservations required, call Justine at 586-296-7965 or Paper Kutz at 586-468-3246.
The Rev. John Kish The Rev. John Kish preaches and sings, 10:30 a.m. March 24, at Dove of Hope Church, 14908 E. 10 Mile Road, Warren, 586-771-1873.
Easter egg hunt Reservations required by March 25 for a free Easter egg hunt, 9:15 a.m. March 31, for ages 2 to 11, following a continental breakfast and 'a short Easter message of forgiveness and hope,' at Fisherman's Net Church, 46026 Cass Ave., Utica, firstname.lastname@example.com or 586-254-5210.
Geriatric Syndromes talk Learn techniques to help cope with aging family members and share experiences at 'Geriatric Syndromes,' 7:30 p.m. March 25, at St. Kieran, 53600 Mound Road, Shelby Township, presented by the church's health ministry, 586-781-4901.
Easter week services Easter week services at Redemption Lutheran Church, 39051 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, 586-268-1080:
Maundy Thursday, 7 p.m. March 28.
Good Friday, 7 p.m. March 29. Easter service, 9:30 a.m. March 31.
Rummage sale Rummage Sale, 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. April 4, 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. April 5, 9 a.m. - 12 noon April 6, at St. Augustine Parish Hall, 68035 Main St., Richmond, sponsored by the St. Augustine Altar Sodality. For more information, call Kathy at 586-727-3666 or Rosemary at 810-543-0402.
Movie night Congregation Beth Tephilath Moses presents a movie night, 6:30 p.m. the first Saturday monthly, at 146 South Ave., Mount Clemens, $3, soft drinks and popcorn included, btmtoday.com or 810-941-7822.
Rummage sale Semi-annual spring rummage sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 5-6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. April 7, at gym and parish center across from St. Mary Queen of Creation church, 50931 Main St., New Baltimore. Entry is free, except $2 early-bird admission, 9:30 a.m. April 5.
Canonization update 'An Evening with Monsignor Bass,' 7:30 p.m. April 15, an update on the Canonization Cause of Venerable Father Solanus Casey, at Father Solanus Casey Knights of Columbus Council No. 3797, at 16831 E. 12 Mile Road, Roseville, free admission but contributions appreciated, 586-771-6260.
Spring Marketplace Women of St. Malachy sponsor a Spring Marketplace featuring representatives of home party services, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 20, at St. Malachy Church, 14115 14 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, free admission, bake sale and food services available.
Rummage sale Altar Society rummage sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 25-26, 9 a.m.-noon April 27, at Holy Family Parish, 79780 Main St., Memphis.
Warming center benefit 'Spring for The Homeless,' a dinner and entertainment benefit for Macomb County Warming Center, 6-10 p.m. April 25, with buffet dinner, silent auction, raffles, 50/50s, cash bar and live entertainment by tenor Charlie Taylor, folk singer/guitarist Larry Larson and friends, presented by MCWC and Ray of Hope Day Center, at DeCarlo's Banquet & Conference Center, 6015 E. 10 Mile Road, Warren, $30, email@example.com or 586-321-0998.
Indoor yard sale The Christian Women's Circle of Holy Cross Lutheran Church present its annual Indoor Yard Sale, 9 a.m. -2 p.m. April 27, with clothing, furniture, toys and more, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30003 Ryan Road, Warren. To donate items, the Church office April 21-25 at 586-751-2550.
Euchre Euchre tournament, 7-10 p.m. the second Saturday monthly, except September, at St. Lawrence Church, 44633 Utica Road, Utica, $10 per person, includes pizza, salad, dessert, pop, water, and coffee, 586-731-5347.
Free clothing Clothes Closet, 2-3:30 p.m. Fridays, free clothing and shoes, everyone welcome, at First Congregational Church, 58801 Main St. , New Haven, 586-749-9857.
Community chorus The Warren Community Chorus welcomes new members at rehearsals, previous choral experience and the ability to sing four-part harmony are essential, at First United Methodist Church of Warren, 5005 Chicago Road, Warren, 586-939-1152 or 586-264-7764.
TOPS meetings TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meetings:
First United Methodist Church, 24036 Greater Mack Ave., St. Clair Shores, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, weigh-in from 5:30-6:30 p.m., jenebene2008@att. Net or 586-791-2397.
Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30003 Ryan Road, Warren, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, weigh-in at 6 p.m., 586-573-8656 or 586-774-0769.
Trinity Episcopal Church, 30205 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, 7:15 p.m. Thursdays, weigh-in 5:45-7 p.m., Joyce at jrosz@hotmail. com or 586-294-2667.
River of God Church, 230 St. Clair St., Romeo, weigh-in 9:30 a.m. Thursdays, 586-255-5038.
American Lutheran Church, 38795 Mulbery, Clinton Township, weigh-in starts at 8:15 a.m. Meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. For more information call 586-465-7671 or contact firstname.lastname@example.com
Holy Innocents Church, 26100 Ridgemont, Roseville, 7 p.m. Mondays, weigh-in 6 p.m., 586-944-0124.
St. John Lutheran Church, 51161 Maria, New Baltimore, 6:20 p.m. Thursdays, weigh-in 5:20 p.m., 586-716-44013.
Faith Lutheran Church, 50600 Shelby Road, Shelby Township, 10 a.m. Mondays, weigh-in 9 a.m., 586-739-9137.
Trinity Lutheran Church, 45160 Van Dyke Ave., Utica, 6:30 p.m. Mondays, Jill Rinke at firstname.lastname@example.com or 586-677-1914 .
The Woods Church Support groups at the Woods Church, 14300 13 Mile Road, Warren, www.thewoodschurch.org or 586-771-4821:
Building Healthy Boundaries, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, for those in co-dependent relationships with someone in denial about addiction, abusive behavior, mental illness, email@example.com.
1st Place 4 Health, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, a biblical approach to weight loss and overall health management, email@example.com.
Divorce Care, 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Addiction Recovery , 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Walking In The Light, 9 p.m. Tuesdays, bible study for long term recovery health, firstname.lastname@example.com;
Single Mom Group , 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, firstname.lastname@example.com;
Divorce Care 4 Kids Group , 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, firstname.lastname@example.com.
Worship for deaf Fellowship Opportunities for the Deaf, at Memorial Baptist Church, 12651 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights, mbcdeaf
Dinner at 6 p.m. the second Saturday monthly, followed by worship at 7 p.m.
Deaf social, 6-8 p.m. the fourth Saturday monthly.
Deaf worship, 6 p.m. Sundays. Deaf Bible study class, 9:30 a.m. Sundays, followed by 11 a.m. worship.
Trinity Family Counseling Center
Support groups meeting at Trinity Family Counseling Center, Shelby Township, TrinityFamilyCounseling.com or 586-254-3663:
Walk With Me Grief Support Group, 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, beginning in April 2013, sponsored by Sullivan Funeral Home, Utica, no cost.
Worship for deaf Interpreted Services for the Deaf, 9 a.m. Sundays, 7 p.m. Wednesdays, at Christ Community Church, 25410 Kelly Road, Roseville, 586-776-5452. Also, Deaf Dinner Fellowships every two months.
Support groups SIA, a 12-step support group for those suffering the aftereffects of sexual abuse and/or incest, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, at Renaissance Unity, 11200 11 Mile Road, Warren, 586-563-5857.
GriefShare recovery and support group, 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays, at Dodge Park Church, 37845 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, child care can be provided. For more information or to register, visit www. griefshare. org or call 586-979-3138.
Families Anonymous, an offshoot of Families Against Narcotics, a free 12-step program for those concerned about drug abuse and behavioral problems of a relative or friend, meets 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, at St. Ronald Church, 17701 15 Mile Road, Clinton Township, no dues or fees, nonreligious and not connected to any hospital or agency, 586-294-3480.
AIM, an anxiety support group, meets 6:30 p.m. Mondays at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 4401 Bart St. , Warren, and 7 p.m. Wednesdays, at Renaissance Unity, 11200 11 Mile Road, Warren, 248-547-0400.
Macomb County Epilepsy Support Group, 7-9 p.m. the third Wednesday monthly, at Erin Presbyterian Church, 30000 Gratiot, Roseville, (800) 377-6226. Divine Mercy Prayer Hour, 3 p.m. Wednesdays, at St. Sylvester Church, 11200 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren.
Ongoing events St. Thomas Lutheran Church, 8771 E. 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, 586-268-2170, hosts Men's Bible Study, 6:30 p.m. Monday evenings; and is seeking musicians and vocalists wanted for a new worship/praise group for a new Sunday contemporary worship service, call Mike at 586-556-2855.
American Lutheran Church, 38795 Mulberry, Clinton Township, amluth30, 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Sundays; men's Bible study, 8 a.m. Saturdays; and women's Bible study, 1 p.m. the third Tuesday monthly.
Petros Men's Bible Study, 9 a.m. Saturdays, at Redemption Lutheran Church, 39051 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, 586-268-1080.
All families and individuals facing economic struggles are welcome at His Table weekly community meal, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday evenings, at Romeo United Methodist Church, 280 N. Main St. , Romeo, free, 586-752-9132.
Circle of Friends Sunday School Class, 11:30 a.m. Sundays, for those with cognitive impairments, all ages, at Christ Community Church, 25410 Kelly Road, Roseville, Renee at 586-776-5452.
'Carpenters Class: Building Lives for Christ,' 9:45 a.m. Sundays, at First Baptist Church of Washington Township, 58774 Van Dyke, 586-781-4801.
Bible Study, 7 p.m. Thursdays, at Our Lord's House of Prayer, 25397 Blair, Roseville, olhop@att. net, www. olhop. org or 586-777-7831.
A class on how to love based on the Beatitudes of St. Matthew's gospel, 7-8:30 p.m. Mondays, at St. Barnabas Church, 24800 Phlox Ave. , Eastpointe, freewill offering is accepted, 586-777-9116, ext. 2.
Cooney's Cronies People Enjoying People Club, a social organization for people 50 years old and older, meets 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, with a seniors card club featuring euchre, pinochle and hand & foot, at St. Peter Catholic Church, 95 Market St. , Mount Clemens.
Communion Service with Perpetual Help Novena, 7 p.m. Tuesdays, and Divine Mercy Prayer Hour, 3 p.m. Wednesdays, at St. Sylvester Church, 11200 E. 12 Mile Road, Warren, 586-751-3636 ext. 10 or 11.
St. Mary Queen of Creation in New Baltimore is seeking donations for its food pantry. Call 586-725-6304.
Samaritan House in Washington Township needs nonperishable food items and toiletries for its emergency food deliveries. Call 586-677-7590 for more information or to schedule donations.
Bible Study and Sunday School, 10:45-11:45 a.m. Sundays, all ages, Redemption Lutheran Church, 39051 Dodge Park Road, Sterling Heights, 586-268-1080.
Fellowship for the Hearing and Visually Impaired, 5:30 p.m. the second Saturday monthly, at Memorial Baptist Church, 12651 Clinton River Road, Sterling Heights, mbcdeaf@comcast. net or 586-739-2132 and 586-615-4607 (text).


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Decorating Sale!
5' x 8' Classic Aubusson Rug
Made in: Turkey
Design: Classic Aubusson Collection
Pile Material: Machine Woven of 100% Polypropylene
Brand new
Colors include: Red, Brown, Candy, Cream, Green, Rust Red, Tan. The primary colour is Red.
Pile Height: 1/3"
Size FT: 5' 0" x 8' 0"
Size CM: 152 cm x 244 cm
Currently in stock


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Friday, May 30, 2008
Timi, you know my address...email me and I will get a prize out to you! Okay, gotta get going. Have a fabulous weekend! Thanks for reading!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Cuttlebug Crazy
The pockets are great to hold all the dies and folders. I will embossing like crazy this weekend. lol
And...since I did have the coupons, I splurged on my niece and got her a Cuttlebug kids and die-set for her birthday this summer .....
She is going to be five and for some kids that is young but she was at my mom's when I got mine and I showed her what it did and she said, "OH MY GOSH, I LOVE IT!" and then tried it herself about a hundred times and said she is a scrapbooker...the same thing happened when she came over and finally realized that Aunt Heather has a scrapbook store in her house! She about died with excitement. I think she has already got the scrappin' bug! lol
Okay, I know Blah, Blah, Blah...time to wrap it up. I think I have gone Cuttlebug crazy! I will be back tomorrow before I leave. I hope you are having a great day!
Monday, May 26, 2008
Lots to Share...
The last project uses Jenni's Scalloped Banner Chipboard. Instead of making a banner, I spray painted them using chalkboard spray paint and turned them into mini-chalkboards. They are hanging in my kitchen and are perfect for writing down phone messages and grocery lists...
Do you know what this means? As soon as I can learn how to use it, I will be recording some scrapping videos to post here! Leave a comment and tell me what you want to see. I need some ideas and I don't want to bore you guys. lol
Be back soon with more scrappin' projects and the winner from the Creative Block Survival Guide Challenge Contest. Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
And the winner is....
Friday, May 16, 2008
Creative Block Survival Guide-DAY 5 and 6
1. Just walk away! Go take a walk and return to your project with a fresh perspective. I use this one a lot. I love to take a walk in the evenings to wind down and listen to some music. It has never failed in getting me inspired! A bubble bath is also a great way to wind down and get some inspiration flowing.
2. Travel to the nearest scrapbook/art store in search of inspiration. I love looking at other people's art. It is so inspiring. It doesn't have to be a scrapbook store either. For example, I went to the Cincinnati Art Museum yesterday...full of inspiration!
BONUS: Try purchasing a product from an unfamiliar product line. I am really trying to get out of the habit of buying from the same product line all the time. It is fun sometimes to experiment BUT you will never get me not to buy Making Memories , Heidi Swapp, Jenni Bowlin or KI! I'm pretty loyal to them. :)
3. Scrap-lift a layout, card or project from a scrapping buddy. I love scrappin' with my friends b/c they are so talented and it is fun to bounce ideas off them. The internet is also hopping with great inspiration. I am officially a blog hopper and I just love Robyn's work. I lifted this layout from a layout she did on the Hero Arts site. Sorry, can't find the original but here is my take on hers:
And here are the quotes that always gets my creative juices flowing...
4."Perfect just the way you create" -DONNA DOWNEY
5. "Good art is not what it looks like, but what it does to us." -ROY ADZAK
and that concludes the Creative Block Survival Guide mini-workshop. Thanks for reading and participating. I will be back soon to post winners from the challenges.....
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Creative Block Survival Guide-DAY THREE and FOUR
4. Tuck your journaling in a pocket or on a tag behind a photo. Here I displayed some of my journaling but hidden in the pocket (on the tag) are words for my hubby's eyes only. This is great when you don't want to share every sentiment with people who flip through the pages of your scrapbook. The next category is EMBELLISHMENTS. Here are the challenges:
1. Group embellishments together to add "pop" to your project. I love grouping these together not only b/c it is so easy but b/c it is a great tool to draw your reader to your photo....
2. Use leftover stickers as a mask. I loved this challenge. I only had brown sticker letters and brown on brown did not look good. So, I laid the stickers down. Swiped blue paint over them and once it was dry, I pulled the letters up, creating a mask. So fun...
3. Use the "oldest" embellishment you own and give it new life by painting, sanding, or altering it in some way. The reason I created this challenge is because I believe that the scrapbook industry is so focused on the new product that a scrapbook "collector" like me, who buys things way faster than I could ever use them, must think of new ways to keep my stash fresh.
*I CAN'T FIND THE PIC FOR THIS ONE....hopefully I will find it soon and I will post it here. :)
4. Use four flowers of any size and color on your next project.
Okay. That is it for tonight. Need to get to bed. Keep those layouts coming. I have so enjoyed looking at all of them! What great talent. See you tomorrow with Day5! Thanks for stoping by. :)
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Creative Block Survival Guide-DAY TWO
4. Try using 6 or more photos on a layout: I love using small, mini-prints on a layout. It can really support a larger photo and carry out your theme.
Thanks for stopping by. I will be back tomorrow with more challenges. Don't for get to send me images of what you created to be entered for a chance to win a prize! Can't wait to see what you have whipped up...
Monday, May 12, 2008
Creative Block Survival Guide-DAY ONE
if you decide to do one of the challenges, EMAIL ME AT hruwe(at)scrapbookbakery.com with the subject line as Creative Block Survival Guide and show me what you have done. I am going to post on my blog next week winners for each category, so get scrapping! :)
4. Place an element of your design on an angle: Instead of tilting the photos, I decided to tilt the paper behind them. Gives a fun twist on the normal square route that I usually take.
5. Try using a sketch: Awhile ago, I designed a layout for Valerie Salmon's sketch blog called GOT SKETCH. You could even try to turn the sketch upside down to create a new one like I did.
Few more things, I just added the LAST Refill Kit from my Inspired Class. If you go to the Bakery and hit SHOP and then KITS you will find the CREATIVE BLOCK REFILL KIT. So, if you are thinking about creating one or refilling the one you have with your own ideas you might want to snatch it before it is gone.
I hope everyone had a great Mother's Day. I did...more on that later. Thanks for stopping by...see you tomorrow with the next category. Have a great night!
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Creative Block Survival Guide Mini Workshop
hi Heather
May 3, 2008 11:29 AM
Thank you for the flower pencil inspiration! I made Teacher Appreciation gifts today!
May 4, 2008 12:36 AM
First, I wanted to create categories that would help with the overall design of any layout/project....


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GLENN Maxwell has firmed to tour India as a spin-bowling all-rounder on the strength of a couple of Twenty20 cameos and some overdue diligence in the nets.
The national selectors on Wednesday will finalise the squad for the four-Test series in India, with Maxwell and seam-bowling all-rounder Moises Henriques in contention. They are unlikely to pick Brad Haddin as a second gloveman because a replacement can be sent to India at short notice, but could include both all-rounders.
Shane Watson's fitness and the roles opened up by him not bowling are among the final details to be decided. The selectors are expected to name a squad of 17 to allow maximum flexibility in the fight to keep the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Maxwell has had a modest summer but claimed 1-23 and 2-15 in the Twenty20 internationals against Sri Lanka, having noted the touring batsmen played him with ease in the one-day series.
The 24-year-old, who has not played a first-class match for more than two months, is also yet to convince of his credentials as a Test batsman, but is likely to be included because he presents the selectors with the chance to build an attack of three frontline seamers, spinner Nathan Lyon and an extra spin option.
"I think you'll find we've tried to cover as many bases as we can – and it's still not finalised yet," coach Mickey Arthur said.
"We could play a spinning all-rounder, we could play a seam-up all-rounder, we'll have the option of two spinners, we'll probably have as many as five quicks going over.
"We'll try and cover as many of the bases as we possibly can and then determine the team that plays based on the conditions we face. That will determine whether we have the option of slotting [Matthew Wade] up to six and playing a spinning all-rounder or a seaming all-rounder, we'll have that position at No. 7 available.
"If we want to go with six specialist batsmen then that [No. 7 slot] will be the wicketkeeper's position. Those are things we've got to weigh up."
Confidence is Maxwell's trademark but so is impatience and he had to be told to practise his stock ball with more discipline in order to improve, although he is a long way from being regarded as a frontline spinner.
"Maxwell's bowled extremely well. He's getting better and better," Arthur said. "I thought he bowled really well in Hobart in the last one-day game, albeit he only bowled two overs. He had good shape on the ball and in these two Twenty20 games he's done a nice job.
"He works incredibly hard. One of the things [we impressed upon him when] we sat down with him was that, 'If you want to be the spinning all-rounder, you've got to put a huge amount of time into your bowling'.
"Maxi would always try and bowl a miracle ball and then he'd bowl a leggie and then a doosra. He just didn't settle on anything. All we've got him doing in the nets is just bowling off-spin, off-spin, off-spin. It's repetition all the time, and he's getting better and better at it. He's a very fast learner."
Should Maxwell or Henriques bat at seven, pushing Wade up to six, Usman Khawaja could again be relegated to bridesmaid status.
Khawaja, the specialist batsman earmarked to replace Mike Hussey in the middle order, will make the squad but the need for a fifth bowling option might mean he has to wait longer for a recall to the XI.
He is perhaps the most technically accomplished of the fringe batsmen, but has had a stop-start summer – being on standby for two Tests, called up for a solitary ODI and being starved of first-class cricket.
Steve Smith will tour as a spare batsman but can also contribute overs of spin.
Likely squad for India: Michael Clarke, Jackson Bird, Ed Cowan, Xavier Doherty, Moises Henriques, Phillip Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Glenn Maxwell, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Shane Watson.
The original release of this article first appeared on the website of Hangzhou Night Net.


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Technical FAQ with Lennard Zinn: The coolest things at Specialized
Lennard Zinn visits Specialized and reports back on his coolest finds and observations
MONTEREY, Calif. (VN) — I've been at the Specialized 2012 product launch here the last few days, riding new bikes, listening to product presentations, touring Specialized's headquarters, and generally learning what the company is up to. This is an innovative company making lots of cool things, and I'll tell you the coolest things I've seen.
First up: Science.
I don't know of any other bicycle company that devotes the amount of resources to scientifically studying how to make riders go faster and stay healthier than Specialized does. I would venture to say that the standard method in the industry is to look for studies after the fact that validate what they have done, but not do the studies themselves on the front end to optimize the design. The fact that for a decade and a half Specialized has been funding scientific research by the two Dr. Roger Minkow and Andy Pruitt and has invested in building products and services based on their findings says a lot about company president Mike Sinyard. Sinyard, who founded the company in 1974 on a shoestring, doesn't buy fancy houses, yachts or airplanes; he lives and breathes bicycles, and he pours his profits back into making better ones. This investment has resulted in a bicycle, saddle, and shoe line that is second to none and in an amazing array of top professional athletes using a full Specialized setup, when they could easily weasel out of using some of the items. And a new deal with McLaren dropped into the company's lap another level of scientific study well beyond what a bicycle company could normally ever aspire to.
Roger Minkow is of course the originator of the Body Geometry saddles and is credited with putting a groove down the middle of a saddle to stave off male erectile dysfunction among cyclists. But it never stopped there. He did studies in Germany with the leader in the field for years on penile blood flow, continuing to improve the saddles to guarantee the urological health of riders. And then Specialized invested over a $100,000 on its own lab to study penile blood flow while riding — the only lab in the world with such equipment besides that of Dr. Sommers in Hamburg. Yes, it actually measures the blood flow in the penis while the rider is pedaling.
Sommers claims that as long as the blood flow to the penis stays above 50 percent of normal while riding, the rider can be fairly sure that long-term damage will not occur, but below that level, scarring in the erectile tissues and a permanent reduction in erectile function can occur (and similar damage can happen in women). Minkow's studies of a wide range of saddle brands and models under innumerable cyclists generally shows that even top pro cyclists can have blood flow reduced down to under 10 percent of normal with standard saddles they've chosen for years, and with Specialized saddles properly fit to them, that often increases to above 70 percent of normal.
Once again noseless saddles seem to be getting passed around the Internet with dire warnings for those who don't use them. But instead of those of us who are horrified at the prospect of putting such a thing on our bike coming up with excuses for not using them that non-cyclists shake their heads at, thanks to the funding by Specialized, Minkow actually has a scientific response. (Turns out, according to Minkow, noseless saddles only offer increased penile blood when riding in a low position; they can actually cut off blood flow when riding in an upright position.)
There is actually no way to measure genital blood flow in women, but they face the same blood-flow issues when riding as men, with the same potential for permanent damage. Minkow's lab at Specialized uses a digital pressure-mapping system. Minkow's free reign to study similar issues all over the body has also led to gloves and grips said to prevent nerve damage while riding, although now he is back to working only on saddles.
Andy Pruitt, the founding director of the Boulder Center for Sports Medicine, has been the leader in the cycling field for decades when it came to everything from how to position a rider to get more power and reduce injury, to diagnosing and fixing orthopedic injuries — including coming up with new surgical and treatment protocols specific to cyclists and other endurance athletes.
Pruitt pioneered using video-capture methods to find inefficiencies in pedaling stroke, as well as using X-ray images to identify length discrepancies in specific leg segments. He incorporated all of his accumulated knowledge about fitting into "BG FIT, or "Body Geometry Fit Integration Technology," the school within Specialized that teaches Pruitt's philosophy of fit in the x, y, and z plane. This is the most widely-used fitting system in the bike industry, and it is integrated into all Specialized frames and bike components.
In the process of improving bicycle fitting, Pruitt has developed ideas about shoes and the interface between the shoe and the pedal. Specialized BG shoes, which he is the mastermind behind, and of which the current top models are also incredibly light, incorporate lots of fit widgets to dial in the link between the rider's feet and pedals. They already have a slightly outwardly-tipped angular correction built into the rigid sole designed to accommodate the majority of cyclists. This was based on old studies finding that the over 80 percent of the population has this "varus" tilt, but when the study came under fire for not having a large enough sample, the vast database provided by BG Fits done all over the world provided the biggest study ever done on the subject. And the Specialized data showed, indeed, that 87 percent of riders who had had a BG FIT done had a varus tilt to their feet.
Pruitt has long been the go-to bike fitter for top American riders and some European pros, but due to Specialized's sponsorship of multiple ProTour teams (this year, Saxo Bank, HTC, and Astana), he touches, and improves the power output and comfort of, an incredible percentage of the peloton. Many of the world's top riders depend on his advice. "To have the kind of relationship I have with these top riders is incredible," says Pruitt. "And it's due to Mike's investment in these teams."
This past offseason, Pruitt changed the foot placement (with BG shoes) as well as the saddle and upper body positions of Saxo Bank's Nick Nuyens, who went on win the Tour of Flanders, HTC's Matt Goss, who went on win Milan-San Remo, and Alberto Contador, who won the Giro and lots of other stage races. Mark Cavendish has a full BG FIT from Pruitt, even though he doesn't use BG shoes; his Nikes have been "BG-ized," according to Pruitt, including widening his stance after a long, drawn-out process of getting longer pedal spindles from Shimano. Contador is riding stock (though custom-painted) BG shoes dialed in for him.
Pruitt positioned Fabian Cancellara and the Schleck brothers, improving their time trialing the last couple of years, and fixed the huge back and leg-muscle problems of domestique Lars Bak while making him faster. Ivan Basso, who had an undiagnosed leg-length discrepancy, met up with Pruitt in an airport hotel to fix his position problems last year.
Most interesting is Pruitt's continual improvement in methods for measuring and documenting power-output changes with fit changes. Astana's Roman Kreuziger became a recent recipient of this largesse. By simply doing a full BG FIT on him including shoes, the Czech rider gained 10 watts; i.e., the power required for him to ride at 40kph dropped by 10 watts. Using an indoor velodrome in Milan, Pruitt and his assistant Neal Henderson found that due to aerodynamic improvements from his new position, he had gained another 11W at 40kph (on his road bike). And in the TT position with the new Specialized Shiv TT bike, Kreuziger's power gains were far higher yet.
To go through the BG FIT standard, masters, and certification programs, you must be a Specialized dealer or employee. On the other hand, that is a lot of people who impact a lot of cyclists. "I can't fit everybody in my office, and it's pretty exciting to have people all over the world doing what I do," says Pruitt. All bike and bike-component designers at Specialized go through BG FIT school, and every product they come up with must pass its established criteria to ensure that it fits the rider the best that the company knows how.
The new McLaren Venge aero road bike is a result of the Formula One team coming to Specialized with the idea that the two companies could work together and mutually benefit. The understanding of composites engineering and the capabilities of computer modeling of composites at McLaren had heretofore been out of touch of bicycle companies.
McLaren did ply-by-ply analysis of every carbon layer on the frame.
"They have one of the world's five most powerful computers working overnight performing an astronomical number of computations to do it," says Specialized chief of racing-bicycle development, Chris D'Alusio.
A surprise it revealed to Specialized engineers was how low the stress is on the lower seat tube when riding. By reducing the number of fabric plies in that area, they were able to save a lot of weight there. The drop in weight of the McLaren Venge over the S-Works Venge is 110g, yet it is also 17 percent stiffer torsionally, due to further tweaks in layup discovered by McLaren's computational analysis. On the other hand, the tooling was much more expensive (and some tooling changes would have been totally out of reach of a bicycle company so were foregone in order to make a product that could still be sold). A higher price is also due to the precision of fabric placement required, as the minimal overlap between plies means that it takes three times as long for workers to lay up a McLaren Venge than an S-Works Venge.
Specialized also learned a lot about testing from McLaren. Bicycle companies generally build prototypes and bring them into the lab and break them to see how they failed, but the Formula One car builder does non-destructive composites testing, as it can't afford to break a chassis when it only makes five per year; it has to race them after they've been tested. Specialized engineers consequently have learned a lot about how to test a frame without damaging it, discovering where voids (interfaces between fibers at the wrong angles) are that could cause cracking, and potential delaminations.
One of the reasons that Specialized is able to be a leader in the bike industry year after year is that it doesn't wait for other people to do the science. If it recognizes the need for scientific studies to develop new products or services, it funds them itself.